For 14 years, The Woodland Trust ran a Christmas card recycling scheme through Homesense, TK Maxx and Marks & Spencer stores. Unfortunately, January 2011 saw the end of the scheme.

Over the years, The Woodland Trust recycled over 600 million cards, helping them to plant more than 200,000 trees.

Following the scheme ending in 2011, Marks & Spencer decided to set up their own scheme, supporting The Woodland Trust. Following great success in 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015, Marks & Spencer are running the scheme for a fifth year in 2016.

To help, simply drop your cards into one of the boxes at your local Marks & Spencer store between 2nd and 31st January 2016. For every 1000 cards recycled, Marks & Spencer will plant a tree in the UK.

More information on the scheme can be found on The Woodland Trust website.

Sainsbury's are running their own card recycling scheme, helping to raise funds for the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). Christmas card recycling bins can be found in 1000 Sainsbury stores across the country until 14th January.

Cards can also be recycled with paper/cardboard recycling, at recycling banks and Household Recycling Centres (though these will not be included in The Woodland Trust’s scheme). Recycling schemes vary across the UK. Cards can be put in normal cardboard recycling kerbside bins. For more information on where to recycle try our search engine or contact your local recycling officer.

Save on paper, card and energy, as well as the fuel used to transport post by sending personalised e-cards. There are many e-card websites online, below are a few: Friends of the Earth , 123 Greetings, Macmillan.

Recycled Christmas cards are also available from shops and online stores such as Nigel’s Eco Store and many charities. There are plenty more shops selling recycled Christmas cards online, use a search engine to find some you like.

Another way of recycling Christmas (and other!) cards is through art and design. Check if any local schools or art clubs would like your cards. You could even cut up old cards to make tags for next year's Christmas presents.